Laundry Chemicals Guide

Dispenser vs. Manual Feed

Due to the differences in how laundry chemicals are manufactured and packaged, some are intended for use with manual feed machines, others with dispenser feed machines, and others can be used with both! But with so many options to choose from, which of them are best for your operation? If you want your hotel towels to stay clean and soft for as long as possible, read on to discover the different types of laundry chemicals we offer, as well as insight into the specific dispenser feed laundry products and manual feed laundry products.

Manual feed laundry machines are those where the user is responsible for manually measuring out and inserting their chemicals into a laundry machine. You will see these in some smaller hotels and motels.

Dispenser feed laundry machines receive their chemicals automatically, in precisely portioned doses, from chemical delivery systems to save time and money on wasted product that can occur with manual feed machines. These are most prominent in large scale institutional or correctional facilities, hotels, resorts, nursing homes, and more.

Types of Commercial Laundry Chemicals

Detergents

The primary agent for cleaning laundry by breaking up and removing dirt / stains. Available in three forms.

• Liquid
  • Can be used in dispenser feed or manual feed machines
  • Concentrates great in all water temperatures
  • Can be cumbersome to store
  • May not be as cost effective as other options.
• Powder
  • Can be used in manual feed machines
  • Have a longer shelf life than liquid so you can really buy in bulk
  • Diluting with your own water may be more cost effective than liquid
  • Requires warm water to dissolve
• Solid
  • Can be used in dispenser feed machines
  • Goes straight from the package to the dispenser to eliminate accidental mixing and mishandling

Pre Spotters

Used to treat stubborn laundry stains before the normal laundering process.

Detergent Boosters

Used in conjunction with detergent or water to help break up heavy soil loads while also conditioning water for the best results.

Neutralizers

Used to control the pH of linen to minimize potential skin irritation while also removing residual alkali and mineral deposits to prevent yellowing and graying that's caused by high mineral levels in the water. Also known as a "souring agent."

Bleaches / Destainers

Used for stains not removed during the wash cycle, and also for whitening and brightening clothing. Available in two general types.

• Chlorine Bleach: Primarily used for brightening white linens, but not safe on all types of fabrics.
• Oxygen Bleach: Sometimes known as "color-safe" bleach, it is safe for use on almost all fabrics.

Fabric Softeners

Softens laundry while reducing static cling and wrinkles.

Vending Machines

Many commercial operations are going to buy their laundry products in bulk containers: 5 gallons of liquid, 50 lb. powder tubs, 5 lb. solid canisters, the list goes on and on.

But some operations, like Laundromats, apartment complexes, college campuses and hotel laundry rooms, will also benefit from offering smaller self-serve portions for patron use. For those operations, we've got you covered with an impressive selection of laundry soap vending machines, and laundry products for coin operated machines

The machines are available in 2, 3 and 4 column models so you can offer patrons any combination of detergent, bleach, fabric softener and laundry bags.